On Driftwood....

[125gJoe]

Are Mopani and Swahala driftwood the same? I have a large chunck that has turned a very dark color. Do some sand or grind off layers of wood to get color back? If so, it seems it would be hard to strip a layer or 2 off when it's soaked... :confused:

[wetmanNY]

Mopane I know is a common tree of the African savannas, Mopane colophospermum. I keep hearing abour "Swahala wood," (not the actress who plays Edina's daughter on "Absolutely Fabulous") which seems more gnarled and rooty to me-- but I can't find out anything. Anyone?

Once the surface has softened, you can clean small areas that are too overgrown with your aquarium-only toothbrush or filter-stem brush.

[Aderynglas]

Or you could let your lovely bristle nose cat or similar browse the softened wood off as he does what comes naturally (he'll benefit from the lignin in the wood):) :)
Since I got my ansistrus cat the wood in the tank has never looked better

HTH
Regards
Paule

[superstein61]

Joe, I just leave my Mopani wood as is. Some parts are a lighter color, some darker. It seems pretty hard stuff, so I would be hesitant about sanding / grinding it down - especially wet.

[125gJoe]

Originally posted by superstein61
Joe, I just leave my Mopani wood as is. Some parts are a lighter color, some darker. It seems pretty hard stuff, so I would be hesitant about sanding / grinding it down - especially wet. My driftwood used to be kinda two-tone brown color, but not anymore. It's very dark.. But, underneath, it has the original (close to it..) look. I was thinking there could be an easy way to remove the dark layer of wood...(?) Sanding would be a 'forever process' and grinding would probably ruin any wood grain. -or not? :confused:

[superstein61]

Hmmm, I don't know - perhaps I haven't had mine long enough for it to lose that two-tone color yet. I do agree with you, that the lighter shade of the two-tone is attractive